Posted on July 30, 2025
Starting January 2026, first and last mile rail traffic in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges will be run by a newly designated group of railway companies—a strategic shift aimed at improving coordination, cutting inefficiencies, and lifting the share of freight moved by rail. This overhaul is part of a joint rail vision by Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Railport, and INFRABEL, all pushing for smarter logistics on the tracks.
Focus on First and Last Mile
Since 2024, Railport has been steering the flow of both block trains and single wagon load (SWL) traffic within fixed operational zones across the port. This system lets shippers work through one appointed railway company per zone, simplifying operations, minimizing idle time, and making rail accessible for both big and small cargo volumes.
With nine operational zones across the port, starting from January 1st, 2026, rail duties will be divided among three operators. Lineas retains responsibility in Zones 1 to 5 and 6B, while HSL Belgium will take over Zone 6A. Railtraxx will manage Zones 7 to 9, covering deep-sea connections and the Zwijndrecht area. Existing operators in Zones 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 will remain in place due to favorable evaluations, with fresh tenders planned for early 2026.
Why It Matters
The shift to a zone-based system has already shown promise. By bundling wagon delivery and collection, rail companies have cut turnaround times and improved the flow of trains across the network. Infrastructure is being used more efficiently, allowing longer trains and more predictable movements. These changes have led to tangible benefits for terminals, shippers, and railway undertakings alike.
The approach also eases access for companies moving smaller freight volumes, who might otherwise struggle to secure reliable rail capacity in such a vast and busy port area.
Driving Toward Modal Shift
For Railport, a collaboration involving essenscia, Alfaport Voka, MLSO, and the port authority, the mission is clear: double the share of rail in the port’s modal split over the coming years. That’s no small feat in a port as container-heavy and truck-reliant as Antwerp-Bruges, but the long-term strategy is gaining traction. The updated operational model, built on experience and evaluation since 2024, is the foundation they’re betting on.
While the names of the appointed railway undertakings might not be new, the structure is. And that structure, they believe, is what will shift the dial.
